Our history

1908

Melitta bentz invents the coffee filter and thus lays the foundation for the Melitta Group.

1908

On 20 June, the Imperial Patent Office grants utility model protection.

1908

On December 15, Melitta and Hugo register their business.

1910

Filter production begins in 5-room apartment.

1911

Two medals for the coffee filter.

1914

The company moves into a disused locksmith's shop.

1924

Willy Bentz joins the company.

1925

The typical red-green packaging distinguishes Melitta® as a brand from competitors.

1926

New form of advertising: demonstration ladies present products.

1929

The company moves from Dresden to Minden.

1930S

mELITTA BENTZ ENSURES EMPLOYEE RIGHTS AND SOCIAL BENEFITS.

1932

Horst Bentz joins the company: DAS company is renamed "Melitta-Werke AG".

1936

The brand-typical Melitta® filter bags are developed and patented®.

1937

Sandwich paper completes the product range.

1937

The typical Melitta lettering is brought into its current form.

1940s

The Melitta Group is facing up to its historical responsibility.

1950

Melitta bentz dies.

1958

A new line of business is created. 

1959

Melitta is building a new paper mill.

1962

Melitta launches ground coffee in vacuum packaging.

1963

Oil foil completes the range.

1963

Melitta develops the "1x" system for filter paper and filters. 

1965

Films and household towels new in the range.

1965

MA 120 - first electric coffee machine:

1968

First branch in South America:

1968

Jörg Bentz joins the company.

1971

Melitta enters the dust filter business.

1981

Jörg and Thomas bentz take over the management.

1987

The new strategy with four brands is presented.

1989

The "Melitta Man" is coming to television.

1989

mELITTA INTRODUCES NATURAL BROWN COFFEE FILTERS.

1992

The Melitta Group is taking over a new paper mill.

1993

Dr. Stephan Bentz joins the company.

1996

Cofresco is born.

1998

Melitta® filter bags® with bamboo are launched on the market.

2000

Melitta® filter bags® - a high-tech product.

2001

High-performance filters under the Swirl® brand:

2003

Real all-rounder: Zipper^® freezer bags.

2010

ACW-Film becomes part of the group of companies.

2011

New member of the Executive Board: Volker stühmeier.

2013

Jero Bentz replaces Dr. Thomas Bentz on the Executive Board.

2014

Cofresco is 100% owned by the Melitta Group.

2015

Strategy 2020 sets the course for growth.

2018

Another growth: Cuki Group.

2018

Melitta acquires majority stake in coffee at work.

2018

Worwo becomes part of wolf pvg.

2019

Melitta launches the Avoury® brand.

2020

Cofresco pursues the "honest 100" sustainability strategy.

2020

Launch of the sustainability initiative "Back to the roots"

2020

The melitta Group publishes its first sustainability report.

2021

Caffè Corsini & roastmarket become part of the melitta group.

2022

Fair Recycled Plastic: melitta establishes recycling company in India.

2023

The Melitta Group celebrates the 150th birthday of Melitta Bentz.

2023

Swirl^® bin liners are made of 100 percent recycled plastic material.

2024

Sustainable innovation from cofresco:

2024

The melitta group is developing its own AI solution.

2024

South African roastery becomes part of the melitta group.

2025

2025

On July 1st, Katja Möller becomes a member of the company management